The Cowichan Valley’s own Enrico Winery and Vineyards has won a 2015 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence, one of 14 province-wide. The winning vintage is their 2014 Tempest Ortega.
In total 425 wines were submitted for judging.
"The outstanding quality of wines in British Columbia impresses our wine judges each year and makes the selection increasingly difficult," said Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Judith Guichon. "This year’s winners represent the best of the exceptional wines from our province."
She will visit the winning wineries from July 20 to 22 to present the awards.
Five Grade 12 students at Queen Margaret’s School took part in the highly competitive Dogwood-District Authority Awards in Victoria on April 30 and each successfully earned scholarships for post secondary this September.
Dogwood-District Authority Awards are provincially funded awards which recognize excellence for graduates who excel in the areas of fine arts, applied skills, physical activity, second languages, community service or technical and trades training. Students were required to demonstrate excellence in one of these area through a personal presentation to an adjudication team. QMS graduating students Annie Arden, Christina DiCarlo, Karlie Castle, Jessica Knelson and Olivia Austin all took part and have earned a $500 cheque, and $500 voucher for use towards post-secondary education.
"Anticipating the event, I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect," explained Jessica Knelson, QMS deputy head girl and award recipient. "I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming environment and the positive disposition of my adjudicators. As my competition category was leadership, I feel like my experiences at QMS were imperative to my success in this event."
"These students exemplify positive leadership, courage and a strong belief in their own potential," said Wilma Jamieson, QMS head of school. "We are excited that they have received this financial award to help them on their paths."
As part of its commitment to help end youth homelessness in Canada, The Home Depot Canada Foundation launched its annual The Orange Door Project fundraising campaign recently, which collects $2 donations from customers and gives 100 per cent of the proceeds to local youth-serving organizations.
Customers shopping in the Duncan Home Depot store can donate $2 at the checkout in exchange for a (paper) Orange Door. One hundred per cent of proceeds stay in the community and go to support the housing and life-skills development programs at Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship) Society. The campaign runs until July 2. Promoting wellness and unity, Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship) Society addresses the needs and aspirations of aboriginal people by providing holistic programs and services. They administer a youth employment readiness program, breakfast program and offer rent supplements for the urban Aboriginal population which are accessed by many youth. In addition, they offer a breakfast program for youth and youth with children.
Island Return-It is opening a new location at 1350 Fisher Rd. in Cobble Hill this month.
Customers will be able to recycle bottles and cans and get refunds back. They depot will also accept electronics,with light bulbs, small appliances, grocery bags and more, all at no charge.
The announcement comes as the business celebrates its 20th anniversary, having spread from its first location in Duncan to five locations.
The new site will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
